AMO to press Province for 'mitigation funding' for OPP
policing

Posted March 31,
2014

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) OPP Billing Steering
Committee has met four times since February to deal with looming
changes to the provincial policing costing model in 2015, whose current
financial implications will cost "the average per household" $369 (Base
Service Level of (approx. $260) + Calls for Service).

Its impact is already being felt locally as the OPP have served notice
that existing contracts will terminate Dec. 31, 2014, including the
tri-party agreement between New Tecumseth, Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa
Township for Nottawasaga OPP. Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa anticipate the
new billing model will increase the cost of policing, particularly on
the calls for service charges.

Most of the outcry across the province comes from smaller, rural
municipalities policed by the OPP. The AMO committee was mandated to
review the overall impacts, and study alternative approaches. One key
element includes "mitigation funding as part of a transition
process."

AMO's latest update to its members notes the "committee is preparing
its draft report and is confident that it will be able to conclude its
work and provide its advice to the government by early April."